Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1887-01-27
THE CANADA FRACAS.
PREMIER MACDONALD DEN0UNCES THE
RETALIATION POLICY.
An Outbreak Of Patriotism Predicted-SarcaStc
Comments of the Press-LiVsly Times Ex-
peclsd in the HOuse-The Sentimentin New
England-PrObable Amendments.

OTTAWA, ONT, January 26.-The spe'
cial correspondent of the Herald called
upon the Canadian Premier last night, and
this is what Sir John Macdonald said: Il
feel that the people Of the United States
do not fully comprehend our position here
in Canada" Sir John was found in the
handsome library of his residence, on the
outskirts of the newly tledged city of OF
tawa. He continued as follows:
'The news that the United States Senate
passed the Edmunds bill providing for So
called retaliation against Canada, because
the Fisheries Treaty has been rigidly en-
forced, is not surprise to me. have had
reason TO think the present Congress would
pass something of the kind. have had
information to that effect. l regret very
much that Congress has gone so far. l feel
confident that there is some miSapprehen-
sion in the United States. Here in Canada
we wish to live in peace and harmony
with our neighbors across the border.
We have our fishing treaty, which was
framed by the representatives of Great
Britain and the United States in 1918. We
consider that we have only acted rs that
treaty comedies we may. The people Of the
United States ought to be willing to allow
us the treaty rights which their own repre-
sentatives granted. The Dominion Gov
ernment has stood on the provisions of the
treaty and it has endeavored to carry them
out in harmony with justice and fairness
Canada had given the American fishermen
whole seasons fishing during the summer
and autumn OF 1885. The failure of the
American Senate to appoint Commits
sion to consider the fisheries threw the
matter back on our hands and we were
compelled to protect our rights by the en-
f0rcement oJ the laws which every nation
exercises and the right to which all nations
cOncedc. The customs authorities were
instructed to enforce the laws, but to eX-
ercise care not to employ arbitrary meas
ures, and to avoid in all respects pro-
cedures which would affect the strength of
our legal position, us well as unduly annoy
the citizens of neighbOring and friendly
nation. | will say unhesitatingly that it
has been the endcavOr of the Government
of Canada to avoid sources of friction in
protecting our rights, and that the whole
matter has been one of serious SOlicitudc.'
AGEAvE ERROR.
''Sir John, the people of the United
States believe that your government has
enforced the customs and fishing laws rs
strictly as possible with the purpose of
endeavOring to force the United States in
to cOnSenting to another commission and
consequent treaty like that of Washing
ton"
"This is q grave error. The Canadian
government has not attempted to cOerce
the United States. On the contrary, does |
it not rather appear rs if there were sort
Ofa wolf and the lamb spirit shown, with |
Canada aS the lamb? | will be pleased If
YOU will say that there is no such spirit on |
the part of the Canadian government. We
would he very glad TO have another under
standing in regard to the fisheries. We are |
willing to have a reciprocity treaty re-
enated in place of the former one, which |
was cancelled, fear, because of the feeling
against Great Britain arising out of the
Alabama deprOdatiOns. Canada will en-
ter into IN arrangement for Il renewal of
the privilege OF fishing in our waters and |
for American fishermen TO obtain supplies, !
bait and tranSShip fish. We have asked |
for q Commission to consider the subject |
Failing in obtaining Il Commission even to |
consider the questions involved Canada |
has, to the best of her ability, protected
herself"
"What would he the effect of Canada of
the Belmont bill prohibiting the import of
all Canadian products and the passage of
railway cars into the United StateS?"
Sir John placed his fingers together
pointing upward, and after moments
pause said, softly: That would indeed he
severe, very severe. | cannot think that
Congress will proceed to such a length
CANADA WILL NOT RECEDE.
"Wiil you state what course Canada will
adopt if the Belmont hill or the Edmunds
bill is put in opcration?"
Sir John considered the question men
tally and responded: ''The Canadian gov
ernment has acted according to law. II has |
referred its acts and the reasons therefor TO
the Imperial Government OfGreat Britain.
1t sees no reasons TO change its views, no
matter what may take place in other coun-
tries"
"The you are not willing to say that
Canada will not recede from its present
poSitiOn?"
Sir John responded: "Yes, yOu are at
liberty tosay that Canada's position is fixed
regardless of what may be done in the
United States
Sir John Macdonald was fortified by the
counsels of Sir John Tupper, the Canadian
High Commissioner to England, who ar
rived at Ottawa from Liverpool yesterday
morning.
What will be the effect on the politics
of Canada by the passage of the Belmont
or Edmunds bll?" Sir Charles was asked.
There will be an outbreak of patriot
ism. You will find that, Notwithstanding
the violence OF party feeling, the opposi.
ton TO the present Government will not
admit OF 4 disposition to yield to the de-
mandS of the United States. No Govern
ment could live in Canada that attempted
to subordinate national rights to party pol
itics. scarcely know of n newspaper in
the Dominion that wishes our treaty rights
thrown away. The opposition may differ
upon some points the Government insists
on, but the cardinal principleSar are acknowl-
edged by both parties alike"
Sir John ended the interview by express
ing his personal admiration for certain
we'll known American statesmen.
CANADIAN PRESS COMMENTS.
The United States Senate Styled Caucus
of Plutocrats.
TORONTO, ONT, January 26.-Referring
to the Washington fisheries legislation, the